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Government of Canada Supports Initiatives to End Gender-based Violence

News release

Projects to help prevent teen and youth dating violence and child maltreatment

December 3, 2018 - Hamilton, Ontario - Public Health Agency of Canada

Gender-based violence—including violence against people based on their gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender—is a preventable and significant barrier to gender equality, yet it persists in Canada. Not only does it have immediate and long-lasting impacts on the physical and mental health of survivors, but it can also have lasting consequences for families, communities and society as a whole.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for the riding of Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, re-affirmed the government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence by announcing more than $6.5 million to support three interventions aimed at preventing teen and youth dating violence and child maltreatment. McMaster University, the Canadian Public Health Association and PREVNet will receive funding for projects that will promote healthy relationships and address the lasting impacts of violence.

Quotes

“We all have a role to play in ending gender-based violence and child maltreatment. Through collaborative efforts, we can foster positive relationships, build healthy families, change attitudes and promote gender equality. I’m proud to announce the Government of Canada’s support for these important projects that can help prevent violence by building on efforts to achieve gender equality and supporting healthy relationships.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas TaylorMinister of Health

“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is reaffirming its commitment to ending gender-based violence and child maltreatment. Through initiatives developed in with partners like McMaster University, we are taking the necessary steps to prevent and end gender-based violence here in Hamilton, and across Canada. ”

The Honourable Filomena Tassi Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for the riding of Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas

“Young Canadians are making life-changing decisions in their teenage years, especially about dating and relationships. Those decisions can have lasting consequences and the numbers tell a horrifying story: nearly half of all sexual assaults are committed against young women aged 15 to 24. In developing Canada’s first strategy to end gender-based violence, experts, survivors and their families asked our government to address the gaps in teen and youth dating violence, as well as child maltreatment. Our government listened. That’s why we are funding partnerships like the ones with McMaster, PREVNet and the Canadian Public Health Association to help ensure our kids live free from gender-based violence and abuse.”

The Honourable Maryam MonsefMinister of Status of Women

“At McMaster University, and particularly at our Offord Centre for Child Studies, we have a long-term commitment to research to find ways to help end gender-based violence, especially for children. We’re proud to be involved in this national initiative which we know will have great impact.”

“The Canadian Public Health Association, in partnership with the Centre for Sexuality, is excited to be a part of the Agency’s initiative to prevent and address gender-based violence. By evaluating the roll-out of a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum in school and community-based settings across Canada, this project will enhance our understanding of ways to build youth capacity to engage in healthy sexual and social relationships free of violence, and of the optimal ways of supporting service providers to deliver such programs.”

Ian Culbert Executive Director, Canadian Public Health Association

“We are excited about this opportunity to co-create a community of practice that will build new relationships among practitioners and researchers, engage youth, and enhance research capacity of our partners. Together, the community of practice will create new evidence-based knowledge, strategies, and resources related to dating violence and healthy relationships which will contribute to reducing violence and improving the lives of Canadian youth.”

Dr. Wendy CraigScientific Director of PREVNet

Quick Facts

The Public Health Agency of Canada is investing more than $40 million over five years under its Preventing Gender-Based Violence – The Health Perspective program. The program supports Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations across the globe. Globally, it is estimated that one in three women experiences intimate partner violence in her lifetime.

In Canada, nearly 50% of people aged 15 and older who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual report having experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse, compared to 30% of heterosexual people.

In June 2019, Canada will host the Women Deliver conference, the world’s largest conference on gender equality and the health, rights and wellbeing of girls and women.